Saturday, 31 May 2008

Now that these cards have been given away I can now post them here. They are both constructed in basically the same way.

This is a run down of how I made them.

Using my Cuttlebug and the Swiss Dots embossing folder I ran the cardstock through the machine to create the raised dots effect on the front. I left approximately one inch (2.5cm) unembossed.

I then very lightly and randomly ran an ink pad over the dots to create a little more definition. (it is a tad difficult to see in the photos, but trust me it's there) I used a copper colour on the pink card and jade green on the sage coloured card.

For the pink card I added a strip of spotted paper printed from a freebie download(I can't quite remember where at the moment, but will post a link as soon as I find it). For the sage card I stamped a flourish using lavender ink and Hero Arts Designer Butterflies Clear Stamp set.

Finally I added some ribbon to match.

These cards were so much fun to make and so quick too, less than 10 minutes each. I love cards that make up quickly, that look great and I will be using this basic design sketch again. By varying the colours, papers, stamps and embossing folders, I will be able to create many different and unique cards.

Why don't you have a go. If you don't have embossing folders, use something else instead. Try miniature stamps repeatedly stamped over the card or even textured cardstock or handmade paper. I would love to see your creations. Post a link in the comments and I will pop over for a peek!

Friday, 30 May 2008

Over the last few months of blogging I have made numerous net friends from all around the world. One of them has sent me this, so now I am passing it on too.

If you have an account with Technorati (it's free, link is below) then doing this will help increase your ranking too and spread your blog to the world, but you don't have to be registered with Technorati to participate.

If you wish to join in. Just copy all of the above info from ::Start Copy Here:: to where is says ::End Copy Here:: and create a new blog post, then paste all the info there. Don't forget to add your blog link to the end of the list.

::Start Copy Here::

Rule:1. Copy from ::Start Copy Here:: through ::End Copy Here::.2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. Just make sure to post this to each of the blog you added in the list.3. Tag other online friends you know.You don’t need to be tag in order to join. If you want to join just post this one in your blog.4. Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list.That way, everyone is happy and can meet new friends too!5. Come back once in a while to get the master list! Let’s see how this makes our Technorati and PR goes up! 6. DO NOT REMOVE THIS: scrap page made by Yen. Using alphas and tapes from Kate H., flowers from Ida,paper by Catrine.

Sunday, 25 May 2008

This is a sweet little girl's fairy costume I made for my DD and thought I would share with you. The photos just do not do this outfit any justice as it is so much prettier to see in person. It sews up quickly and is made very simply without a pattern. I have made a few fairy costumes using the same simple method with great results.

All of the pieces of fabric are rectangles, including the petal shaped tulle tier. I cut the petal shapes after cutting out the rectangle. The bodice is made from a stretch dance fabric and the skirt is 3 layers - satin, snowflake organza and tulle. All the fabrics are in a Tinkerbell green except for the white organza. The skirt layers are gathered and then sewn onto the bodice before hemming. The straps are a pair of clear adjustable bra straps to make the outfit more like the original Tink dress, but allow free play without worries of the dress falling down.

To make Tink's wings I scanned a Disney Tinker bell doll's wings and then enlarged them to print out poster size. I then cut the wings from a large sheet of clear acetate, sprayed it with clear varnish and sprinkled it with holographic glitter before the varnish dried. To give the wings more stability and define the edges I taped wire all the way around. Lastly I punched a few holes in the center and inserted elastic so the wings could be put on and removed with ease.

I completed the Tinkerbell Fairy costume with a pair of Tink green slippers and a sparkly pom pom? I just traced around my DD foot, added about 2"(5cm) all round, then using 3 step zig zag I applied the elastic. I made a couple of cute pom poms from glitter wool and attached them to the slippers by hand.

To really make Tinkerbell fly, she needs her hair in a bun and tied with Tinkerbell green ribbon!

This was such a fun and easy costume to make and would be great for anyone beginning to sew. Just measure, cut and sew.

Edited Due to popular demand for this costume I am working on step by step instructions complete with the pattern for the wings. For anyone wishing to purchase it please email me(address above) with Fairy Costume Pattern in the subject line and I can let you know when it becomes available. Thanks for your interest.

Wednesday, 21 May 2008

Well as we all know life sometimes has a habit of getting in the way of our plans, so I am only just getting around to announcing the winners to the Stepping Out challenge and also my 10,000 visitors blog candy.

I loved all the entries into my Stepping Out Challenge they were all lovely and original. You all deserve a pat on the back and thank you for entering. So as I guess you are all dying to know, the winner is.....

Monday, 12 May 2008

Despite my recent lack of posting there has been so much going on around here. Lots of crafting, some sewing, the usual home duties and crafty organizing. I recently bought some more ribbon (not that I needed any more) but it was a bargain that I just couldn't pass on. This meant that my ribbons, previously stored neatly (yeah right!) in draws, was becoming too difficult to arrange and find easily. Here is a great idea to store your spools of ribbon.

After much thought I decided to put an unused shoe rack to a much better use. It now stores all of my spools of ribbon and it is so easy to see what I have. Some of the spools only had very small holes and would not fit onto the metal rod, so I used the dremel tool to make the holes larger. Now they fit perfectly.

Yes in case you are wondering there are more spools at the back. Most of those are stretch cord, satin cord and wired ribbons. I suppose you can't really tell that I LOVE RIBBON! The good news is, I am using ribbon a whole lot more. It is so easy to see and get to. I think I will have to carry this idea right through my craft room as I re-arrange and organize. Make things easy to use and put away, that way they will stay tidy! LOL that's the plan, so I will see how that goes.

How do you store your crafty things? Any ideas would be great I am constantly on the lookout for great way to store things.

DON"T FORGET: There are only a few days left to enter my Stepping Out Challenge. There have been some great entries thus far, so make sure you have a go. What you make is entirely up to you, it does not have to be a card at all. This challenge is now closed.

Saturday, 10 May 2008

I have been going a little Cuttlebug crazy recently (in case you hadn't noticed!) and I have created a few cards different to my usual tastes. I find it much easier to create projects that are pretty and in colours that I like.

I was inspired to do this when I found some paper and card that has been waiting to be used for some time. Colours I really don't like are yellow, red, brown and black. My stash of these seems to be getting bigger the more I use up other colours. So for my Stepping Out here are a few things I have made in colours or styles unlike my regular tastes.

This one is a sneak peak of a bookmark I made for the swapat the Craft Beautiful Forum. It is mostly yellow. (more pics to come)

I have really enjoyed doing this one myself and I am really please with the results, so I thought some of you might too.

For my Stepping Out Challenge you need to create a post with something you have made (it can be any type of project) different to what you would normally choose. Only you know what you really like, so choose something totally the opposite. Link to this post and make a comment here with your link for everyone to find. I will arrange for a small blog candy prize for the winner so make sure I am able to contact you. I will announce the winner on the 15th May 08 so that you have plenty of time to get creating. If you subscribe to my blog (see orange button above) you can see when I have posted updates.

By the way I have made a new copyright logo for my photos. What do you think? I have seen some lovely ones around and thought it was about time I created something a little more stylish.

Edited 21/5/08 to add:Thanks to those that have entered.The winner has been announced here.

Thursday, 1 May 2008

Yay! I have made it onto the Top 100 Australian Women Bloggers List. The position where a site is on the list is determined by the average of it's Technorati rank and it's Australian Alexa rank.I have made it to 75th on the list. An accomplishment considering just a few weeks ago I didn't even qualify.

Click on the pink Australia and you will be taken to the list. There are some great blogs to discover. So go and have a peek.